Age mismatch in records, EC explains SIR notice to Amartya Sen

The Election Commission said the hearing notice issued to Nobel Laureate Economists Amartya Sen was part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision(SIR) of the electoral roll. According to NDTV sources, the Election Commission of India dismissed the claim, clarifying that Amartya Sen has not been summoned for any hearing. The poll body said the issue pertains only to a minor spelling mistake in the enumeration form and doesn’t require the economist to appear before election officials.

An official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Calcutta explained that the notice was generated because the enumeration form showed an age gap of less than 15 years between Sen and his mother. The official added that the Commission treats all voters equally and that no special or preferential treatment is given to VIPs or eminent individuals.

The 92-year-old Amartya Sen is currently abroad, and caretakers of his Santiniketan residence said no Election Commission official had served any notice at pratichi till late Tuesday evening. They added that Sen’s name appears in the draft electoral roll as a non-resident Indian. After learning about the issue, they said, they immediately contacted the local booth-level-officer, who did not confirm the issuance of any such notice. Sen’s residence falls under the Bolpur Assembly constituency.

However, sources said that since Sen is over 85 years old, he will not be required to visit the hearing centre and the hearing will instead be held at his residence. Another official said the same provision applies to any voter in a similar situation, who would need to submit any one of the 13 documents prescribed by the Election Commission.

Political reactions have emerged the following news.Trinamool Congress Leader Abhishek Banerjee, speaking at a rally in Rampurhat, claimed that SIR notices were also sent to actor and MP Dev, and cricketer Mohammed Shami, alleging nexus between the Election Commission and the BJP targeting prominent Bengal personlities. “They are sending notices to unmap these people. Those who want to unmap the people of Bengal should themselves be unmapped and thrown out of Bengal in the upcoming election”, he said.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the matter could be the result of a technical error, such a mistake in the name or spelling. He said the issue should be clarified by the officer of the Chief Electoral Officer and added that the voters above 85 years of age are entitled to certain relaxations.